News Release

ATF NRT Arrives to Assist Albuquerque Fire Department with the Cause and Origin of the Carlisle Condominiums Fire Investigation

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team (NRT) will begin a joint investigation with AFD today of the early morning fire that destroyed a luxury condominium complex that was under construction. The Carlisle condominiums are located at 3600 Central Avenue SE, Albuquerque, N.M. The total loss of the building after the Nov. 23, 2016 fire is estimated at more than $9 million.

A team of 25 ATF certified fire investigators and special agents arrived in Albuquerque on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, to support the Albuquerque Fire Department in the investigation. The NRT’s primary mission is to concentrate ATF explosives and fire investigative resources and expertise on large scale incidents and complex investigations. The NRT provides an immediate and sustained nationwide response capability, typically deploying within 24 hours of notification, with state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified personnel.

"ATF's National Response Team will be working hand in hand with Albuquerque Fire Department Investigators to effectively and thoroughly investigate the fire scene," stated Phoenix Field Division's Special Agent in Charge Thomas Atteberry.

The NRT will work in conjunction with fire investigators to reconstruct the scene, identify the seat of the blast or origin of the fire, and determine the cause. The NRT is composed of veteran special agents, including certified explosives specialists, certified fire investigators, forensic mapping specialists, accelerant and explosives detection canine teams, explosives enforcement officers, fire protection engineers, electrical engineers and forensic chemists.

Since its inception in 1978, the NRT has deployed 800 times. This is its 3rd deployment for fiscal year 2017. Past NRT activations include such incidents as an explosion in West Texas that killed 14 people in 2013; the spree of 10 arsons at churches in Texas in 2010; a commercial fire in Charleston, S.C., that killed nine firefighters in 2007; and national-level incidents such as the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon; the Centennial Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta; the Oklahoma City bombing and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

ATF is the sole federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov or follow ATF on Twitter!